Boilermaker races sell out in 4 days

UTICA -- In order to run in the 36th annual 15K Boilermaker Road Race, thousands of runners first had to win a different kind of race. A race to secure a spot in the event.

The 15K sold out in a record-breaking three days and the 5K reached its maximum of 4,500 in the fourth day of open registration. Last year, the 15K race did not fill its 14,000 spots until March 10, while the 5K sold out March 21.

"I don't think that any of us anticipated the speed in which the race closed out," said Race Director Jim Stasaitis. "This is a testament to the thousands of volunteers and our loyal sponsors who make this a must-do race."

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Those who could not make it into either race may still have a chance to participate through a charity bib program. The race has 200 bibs put aside for runners who gather a minimum of $500 in pledges. The charities that will benefit will be revealed in February.

The only remaining event to sign up for is the 3-mile walk at the Masonic Care Community on Saturday, July 13.

The race will again be offering a transfer policy where individuals can legally swap their bib to shut out runners. The transfer program will begin April 1 and there will be a $10 transfer fee.